Penturning Resources

TUBE COLORING AND GLUING TIPS

It is a good idea to paint or darken your tubes before you glue them in to prevent the tube from shining through some of the more translucent colors. Ordinary spray paint works pretty good or for even quicker and easier results, use a Sharpie permanent marker.

TURNING

“Texas Hybrid”™ blanks are not difficult to turn. Be aware that the resin will turn differently than the wood so be careful at the transitions between the two. Go slow and use sharp tools.

BUBBLES AND VOIDS

“Texas Hybrid”™ pen blanks are pressure cast at 80 psi but it is still possible that you will encounter small bubbles. These are easily filled with CA (cyanoacrylate) while turning. If you encounter a blank that, in your opinion, has too many bubbles, please contact me for a merchandise certificate that will allow you to choose a new blank from my inventory at no cost. (see my Policies page for more information)

FINISHING

Sand your blanks just like any other wood blank, making sure you don’t generate too much heat. Sand lightly and keep the paper moving. The resin will sand differently than the wood so keep that in mind. Finish like you would any other wood pen that you make.

NEED HELP?

If you have any questions or need more help, please give me a call or use the Contact Me Page of this website and I will do everything I can to make sure each blank turns into a successful pen!